We've made it through one heatwave this summer, and thoughts are already turning to the next.
With forecasters predicting temperatures will climb again later this week, now is the perfect time to think about keeping your home cool before the heat arrives.
The problem? Many of the best portable air conditioners and quiet fans sold out during the last hot spell, leaving shoppers scrambling for affordable alternatives.
That's why Aldi’s new Specialbuys cooling range has caught my eye – particularly its £14.99 Portable Air Cooler. As someone who lives in a top-floor flat, I know just how unbearable a hot home can become. During the last heatwave, temperatures inside my flat topped 40°C, making both working and sleeping uncomfortable (to say the least).
While I'm still considering buying a portable air conditioning unit when they’re back in stock or even installing air conditioning, this compact air cooler promises to be an affordable stop-gap that won't dominate my limited floor space.
Why I’m considering Aldi’s £14.99 Portable Air Cooler
Unlike a full portable air conditioner, an air cooler won't actively lower the temperature of a room. Instead, it uses water to produce a cooler airflow, making it a cost-effective way to feel more comfortable when you're sitting at a desk, working from home or relaxing in one spot.
For me, the biggest selling point is its size. Rather than taking up precious floor space like a pedestal fan, Aldi's compact design is small enough to sit neatly on a desk or bedside table.
Available in three colourways, it features:
- Three fan speed settings
- A removable water tank
- Built-in LED lighting with colour-changing modes
- Indoor and outdoor use
It's portable – the leather handle is giving retro chic – so you could even pack it for a camping trip this summer.
Aldi’s cooling range also includes a globe fan
If you're looking for something with a little more power, Aldi is also selling a Globe Fan with Multi-direction for £39.99.
Designed to circulate air around the room, it offers:
- Three operating modes, including Natural Wind and Sleep
- 10 speed settings
- An eight-hour timer
- Multi-directional airflow
The design is reminiscent of premium air circulator fans, many of which are proving difficult to find during hot weather. Aldi's version could be an appealing lower-cost alternative while stocks last.
Should you buy an air cooler?
If your home regularly becomes unbearably hot, a portable air conditioner remains the most effective option because it actively removes heat from the room. However, they're often significantly more expensive and are among the first appliances to sell out whenever temperatures rise.
For renters, flat dwellers and anyone short on storage space, a compact air cooler offers a much more affordable alternative. While it won't replace air conditioning, it can make sitting, working or sleeping more comfortable during warmer days.
With another spell of hot weather expected, Aldi's budget-friendly cooling range is likely to prove popular. If you missed out on fans and air conditioners during the last heatwave, this could be one of the easiest ways to stay a little cooler without spending a fortune.
More cooling products to shop
If Aldi's Specialbuys have already sold out at your local store, there are still some highly rated cooling products available online. This tower fan is even available for next-day delivery:
PureMate 43-Inch Tower Fan with Remote Control
PureMate 43-Inch Tower Fan with Remote Control
Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
